Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2004 21:37:29 +0100 (BST)

Hey Mickey,

Greetings Kevin,

Wonderful site, mate. I just picked up a violin a
couple of weeks ago and I can't put it down.

Thanks for tuning in with us...

I've got a question. I will be travelling soon by
aircraft with my violin. Must I loosen the strings and
take off the bridge or something. I'd really rather
not.

No this shouldn't be necessary...ultimately, you should be carrying on the violin...this will ensure the its safety...

We ship violins with strings all the way taut; if we didn't, we wouldn't be able to ship them as completely set-up...and the bridges up. I personally believe if it's going to be damaged, whether strings are brought up to tension or not...it's going to be damaged...yes, the tension may cause further problems....however, again, we even ship with the strings completely taut. This is why I would suggest that you carry it on period.

Mickey


Thanks for a wonderful resource page.

Kevin.

Subject: Air Travel with Instruments
Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2004 13:24:00 -0800

Mickey,

This is not a question but a suggestion to anyone flying with an instrument they love. Most airlines will allow you to gate check your instrument the same way that people with baby strollers do. Guitars and banjos are considered too large for the overheads, (although they would fit), so the airlines will allow you to take it to the boarding gate and request that it be gate checked. This means that it is not thrown on a luggage cart, and is placed in a special place that allows for quick access, as it will be returned to you at the gate on arrival.

Kathy

Date: Sat, 14 Sep 2002 02:50:27 -0700
Subject: banjos and airplanes

I must once again give accolades concerning your site and your business (I have
purchased a Kentucky 620 and several straps and other accessories from you over
the past few years). But my question this time centers on air travel.
I have recently purchased a Crafters of Tennessee Flathead Deluxe with
customized work. Needless to say I paid quite handsomely to obtain it. Several
times a year I fly across country and bring my banjo along to play with family
and friends. I have flown with my old banjo (an Epiphone MB250) and never had
any trouble other than one busted string and some scratches on the case.
However, I have heard plenty of horror stories concerning baggage handlers
damaging instruments, and I wonder if I'm relying too much on luck. While I was
concerned with my old banjo, I must admit I'm petrified with the thought of my
new investment meeting such an end. Besides loosening the strings and removing
the bridge, is there anything you recommend to help protect a banjo for air
travel? Carry on is no longer option given the new security protocols. Are
there any cases for cases as I'm not too keen on getting the gator skin case
scratched up yet either?

I would also like to give an unsolicited endorsement to Crafters banjos. I
spent over a year testing and retesting banjos across several states looking for
the banjo that would be my "lifetime" instrument. Crafters Flathead was one of
the first ones I tried, and I have found nothing has matched its sound for
bluegrass picking. It has an extremely powerful engine and a sharp bite that
simply bested the (the other makes) that I tried.

Thanks,

Brent

Greetings Brent,

Thanks for the testimonial on the Crafters...I've found them to all be great sounding instruments both in their Dobro and banjo line-up...

The best option I heard of to date, for safe travel, would be the Calton case...these cases are built like a fortress...any way you look at it, cargo instrument travel will always be a gamble...

Wishing you the best in your research efforts, Mickey